How To Find an Unpaid Wage Lawyer in Washington DC

Before the court awards you the unpaid wage, you'll have to prove that your employer actually owes you the same. This can be frustrating, especially if your employer isn't so cooperative. 

In that case, here's what you need to do. 

Submit Your Request in Writing

Let your employer know that you need them to send you a copy of your payroll documents. Legally, they are required to do so. Submit this request in writing and then keep a copy. If your employer doesn't respond, this copy will prove they knew what you needed but didn't provide.

Gather Your Payroll Records

It's easy to prove the hours you work if you have the paystubs or other payroll records for reference. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recommends keeping your payroll records for a minimum of one year after leaving a place of employment.

If the time records have been manipulated, showing that your employer doesn't owe you unpaid wages, you'll need to speak to an experienced employment law attorney from Morgan & Morgan. 

Sometimes, the wrong time record could be due to a genuine computing mistake. However, speaking to an attorney will help determine whether your employer has committed fraud in calculating your wages. 

Proving Unpaid Wages: What You Need

Even if you're convinced that your employer owes you unpaid wages, proving it is the most difficult part. An attorney can help you prove unpaid wages, but to do this, they'll need your help.

Here's what you need. 

Witness Statements 

Did you work with any employees during that particular shift? If so, note down their names and contact information, and then request them to write a witness testimony on your behalf.

Employee Records

It's good practice to record the time you clocked in and out of a particular shift. Documentation proves that you were actually at work during that specific time in question. For example, you may keep notes of what happened during that particular shift. This information can be used to prove to your employer that you worked on that specific day. 

Job Records

The payroll and employee records aside, job records are a little bit different. For example, suppose you're required to sign a cleaning checklist on your shift, and you did that. In that case, this information can be used to prove that you worked your shift as expected. 

Electronic Information

If required to input data electronically, for example clocking in through a software when you arrive at work, this information will be vital in the litigation process. 

Video Surveillance

Many companies have video surveillance installed at their premises for security reasons. It would be great to obtain this footage to prove that you were at work on that particular day. Although your employer may be reluctant to provide such footage, an employment law attorney can obtain it on your behalf.

Hiring a Morgan & Morgan employment law attorney can change the course of your claim. Here's why. 

What You Claim Isn't Usually What They Owe

Many victims of unpaid wages usually don't receive the correct settlement even after winning their lawsuits. This happens especially when they hire attorneys who don't know how to calculate the full amount owed. 

Other than the unpaid wages, Morgan & Morgan attorneys calculate additional factors to determine the exact settlement the defendant needs to pay their client, depending on the nature of the claim.

For example, unpaid wages claims against employers who intentionally refuse to pay their employees usually attract a bigger settlement than those involving employers who made a genuine computing mistake. 

Vast Experience in Washington DC Employment Law

Employment laws vary from state to state. For this reason, hiring an employment law attorney from Morgan & Morgan means you'll be assigned an attorney who not only practices in D.C., but is also familiar with the district's employment laws.

For example, if you work at a restaurant in D.C., the hourly wage is slightly different because you're considered a 'tipped employee.' However, the same policy doesn't apply to an 'untipped employee' such as a healthcare worker. 

So when it comes to calculating the exact amount owed and breaking down the local employment laws, it's best to leave this task to an experienced employment law attorney from Morgan & Morgan. 

Results-Oriented Law Firm

Morgan & Morgan is a result-oriented personal injury law firm, having won over $23 billion for our clients so far and resolved over 70,000 cases. We don't settle for just any compensation; we demand total compensation for our clients, holding the defendants accountable in the process. 

Come to think of it, if such employers get away with paying half of what they owe you, that won't be too bad for their businesses. And guess what? They'll repeat the same tactic with another unsuspecting employee and won't even face any legal action. 

For this reason, Morgan & Morgan employment law attorneys are not only driven by the need to have you compensated for what you're entitled to but also to hold such employers accountable for their actions. This approach also prevents other employees from going through the same loss you've suffered. 

To check out some of the most recent verdicts and results from lawsuits filed by Morgan & Morgan, click here. 

Other reasons to contact Morgan & Morgan unpaid wage lawyers include: 

• Free case evaluation: they'll tell you what your case is worth. 
• No upfront fees: you'll only pay them when they win the case. 
• Proven track record: Morgan & Morgan only hires the best personal injury attorneys in the industry with a proven track record. 
• 24-hour availability: you can call Morgan & Morgan Washington DC office 24 hours a day at (202) 772-0560.

The deadline for filing an unpaid wage claim in Washington D.C. is three years from the day the claim arose. However, it's never advisable to wait that long before filing a claim. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove your claim.

A settlement is an agreement between you and the employer that states you agree to accept a certain amount of money after successfully winning a lawsuit. Morgan & Morgan unpaid wage attorneys can help you reach the right settlement with your employer based on the nature of the claim.

As of July 21, 2021, the minimum wage in D.C. is $15.20. Employment law attorneys usually consider the minimum wage, the nature of the job, among other factors, when calculating unpaid wages. 

If you believe your present or past employer owes you unpaid wages, contact Morgan & Morgan employment law attorneys in D.C. today at (202) 772-0560 for a free case evaluation and a possible legal representation!